Kwara Senator lifts farmers with N200m fertilisers, farm inputs

Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, launched the distribution of over N200 million worth of farm tools to Kwara State farmers. Representing Kwara Central, Mustapha provided 3,500 bags of 50kg fertilizer and 1,000 pumping machines to smallholder farmers in the first phase of an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. At the event titled “Empowering Kwara Central Farmers: Unlocking Self-Sufficiency in Food Production,” held at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, Mustapha emphasized supporting agricultural productivity and improving crop yields. Aid was also extended to the All Farmers Association of Nigeria and the All Progressives Congress. Mustapha noted that climate change and over-cultivation have degraded soil quality, leading to lower yields. He funded the fertilizer purchase to enhance farmers’ productivity and yields. This significant fertilizer distribution reflects a commitment to food security and boosting food production in the state. Source- Punch

OUR REVIEW

Senator Saliu Mustapha’s initiative to distribute over N200 million worth of farm tools, including 3,500 bags of 50kg fertilizer and 1,000 pumping machines, to Kwara State farmers significantly boosts the agri-food value chain. This program directly impacts smallholder farmers by addressing soil degradation enhancing productivity, and improving their yields and sustainability. This support fosters growth at various levels of the value chain—production, processing, and distribution—ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector. The provision of fertilizers and pumping machines will enable farmers to optimize their inputs, resulting in better crop quality and quantity. This can lead to higher farmer income, increased local food supply, and reduced import dependence, thereby strengthening food security.

Moreover, such initiatives encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices, which are crucial for long-term agricultural health and environmental balance. This program offers insights into effective agricultural support strategies for policymakers and stakeholders, demonstrating the importance of direct investment in farming communities. By empowering farmers, the initiative also sets a precedent for similar efforts across other regions, promoting broader agricultural growth and development.